They used to be novelty…now they’re a necessity.

That’s right…if you don’t have GFI (ground fault interrupter) outlets installed everywhere water can potentially come in contact with electricity, there’s a far greater risk of physical and property damage to your home.

GFI’s should be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, outdoors, adjacent to a service bar, and so on.  Not only is it the smart thing to do, today GFI outlets are required by law.

A typical GFI outlet has three holes. The one in the center is for the ground wire, while the other two are for the neutral and hot wires. The outlet monitors the current flow in the two wires. If it experiences any change in the electrical flow, it immediately cuts the flow of electricity. They also have built-in test and reset buttons.

Here are the three primary benefits that GFI outlets deliver:

Advantage #1 – Shock Prevention

A GFI outlet has a built-in sensor that monitors the inflow and outflow of electricity from an appliance. For example, if a live wire inside an appliance is in contact with the metallic surface, you’ll get a shock if you touch it. However, if the appliance is plugged into a GFI, the outlet will notice the change in electrical flow and will immediately shut down the power.

Advantage #2 – Fire Prevention

Since ground faults can cause electrical fires, GFI outlets offer you added home protection.

Advantage #3 – Prevention of Damage of Appliances

As wire insulation breaks down, a certain amount of electric current will leak into household appliances or other electronic items. If the outer body of the equipment is not made of metal, you may not get a shock, but this constant leakage of current will damage the equipment. In fact, electricity leakage is one of the most common causes of computer hard disk drive failure.

Whether you’re undergoing a bath or kitchen upgrade, etc., or simply want added protection for your family, contact Fox Services Express today and ask about our home GFI outlet installation service.  It’s one of the most valuable electrical services we provide.

Peoria:                        309-692-FOX2 (3692)
Bloomington:             309-451-4FOX (4369)
Click here to ask questions or schedule service now

Who wouldn’t want a swimming pool in their backyard?

Actually, all kinds of people, and for all kinds of reasons…among them the ongoing maintenance a pool requires.  As pool owners know all too well, keeping a swimming pool in top working order is no day at the beach.

That’s especially true of pool openings.  Even the most intrepid of weekend warriors knows that it’s incredibly time consuming and requires a lot of hard work.  And in the end – surprise, surprise – it’s most often cheaper to hire a professional who will also deliver, in most cases, a more thorough and superior end result.

Still a little skeptical?  Then check out everything that’s involved to complete a comprehensive pool opening:

1. Remove the swimming pool cover. If there are leaves or other debris on the cover, use your leaf net to remove them.
2. Pump off any standing water if you have a solid cover. Note: if your cover has a hole in it, you will be pumping water out of the swimming pool. This can lead to draining the pool if you’re not careful.
3. After removing the cover, be sure to clean it, let it dry, and store for the season.
4. You will need to add water, bringing the level up to its normal operating level.
5. Remove any freeze plugs, Gizmo’s, and other items installed to protect against freezing.
6. You should have cleaned your filter thoroughly when you closed the pool for the winter. If not, you should do it now.
7. Now, start your filter system up, being sure to prime the pump before starting the motor. Be sure to purge all the air from the plumbing and equipment. Warning: Air will be compressed during this procedure. Be sure to release any built up pressure before opening your filter, pump, or chemical feeder.
8. Check for any leaks.
9. Assess the pool itself. Hopefully, you had a solid cover on and the water is as clear and blue as when you closed it. If not, you will want to remove any large debris with your leaf net, leaf rake, or leaf eater.
10. Any dirt, sand, algae, or other small debris should be vacuumed to waste.
11. After cleaning the pool, it’s time to check the water chemistry.
• DO NOT begin by throwing a bunch of chlorine or other chemicals into the water. Adding chlorine and other chemicals in certain circumstances can damage and/or stain your pool surface.
• Allow the water to circulate at least 8-12 hours, so that the water that was added has time to mix with the water in the pool.
• After that, test it thoroughly, and then add the necessary chemicals in the proper sequence to balance the water chemistry.
12. Install handrails, ladders, etc. being sure to inspect them for wear and damage. If you apply car wax to the stainless steel rails, it will help protect them from corrosion.
13. Inspect the diving board. It should be free of stress cracks and the surface should have a non-skid surface. If the board has any stress cracks, it should be replaced. If the surface has been worn smooth, you can use a refinishing kit to correct this.
14. Tile lines can be cleaned with baking soda and a sponge if you do not have any pool tile cleaner. Do not use any household cleaners (especially abrasives) to clean the tile. You do not want to swim in these chemicals.

While you might be supremely capable of handling all this yourself and thorough in your approach – you’re definitely in the minority.

Enter Fox Services Express.  We are the Peoria area’s leading pool and spa service company, and we do it all:  opening, closing, ongoing maintenance, repairs, and more.  Plus we now have our own pool supply store on North Crestline Drive in Peoria where, among other things, you can bring a sample of your pool water any time for a free in-store analysis.

Interested in learning more or scheduling our professional pool service?  Then contact us today and let the good times roll.

309-740-0330
Click here to ask questions or schedule service now

Given that the power can go out in your home at any time and for a wide variety of reasons, it’s always best to have a contingency plan in place.  That will help you to think more clearly and act more decisively should conditions warrant.

Well, one question we often get asked is exactly how to do with refrigerated and frozen food following a power outage.

Refrigerated Food

When the power goes out, check the time. Food in the refrigerator will stay safe for a few hours. Opening the refrigerator door lets cold air out and warm air in so keep it closed as much as you can.

Even if the food looks and smells fine, it may not be safe to eat. If the food has been warm (above 4 degrees) for more than two hours, throw it away, and don’t taste it to see if it’s still good.

To help extend the “life” of your refrigerated food, put in a block of ice on a tray.  That should keep things fresh for about a day.

Frozen Food

Food in the freezer will stay frozen for about a day, and even longer in a freestanding freezer. A full freezer will keep food frozen for about two days. A half-full freezer for about one day.

If your freezer is not full, follow these simple steps:

• Group all the frozen packages together.
• Separate meat from fruits and vegetables.
• The packages will stay frozen longer if there is no air space between them, so use  crumpled newspaper to fill in the spaces.
• Cover the entire freezer with blankets.

Thawed fruits and vegetables can be refrozen. Raw meat that still has some ice crystals can be refrozen. Meat that is still cold can be refrozen, too. It may suffer some loss in quality, but it’s still safe to eat.

In the meantime, and if the power outage is not affecting your entire neighborhood, contact Fox Services Express and we’ll get the power back up and running before any serious damage occurs.

309-740-0330
Click here to ask questions or schedule service now

Of all possible plumbing do-it-yourself projects, replacing a kitchen faucet is very doable even for the not-so-handy home owner.  All it takes is a little patience, the right tools, and following these simple steps.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water

Turn off the hot and cold water supply valves, usually located directly under the sink. Open the tap to drain off the water.

Step 2: Remove the Old Faucet

Use an adjustable wrench to disconnect both faucet water lines from the supply tubes. Have a towel handy to catch the excess water that drains out.

Use a basin wrench to reach up behind the sink and disconnect the locknuts that hold the faucet to the sink.

Lift the old faucet out of its mounting hole. Use a putty knife to scrape away any old putty that remains around the hole, but take care not to scratch the sink surface.

Step 3: Install the New Faucet

Most sinks have three mounting holes to accommodate a faucet spout and twin hot and cold operating handles. The measurement between the handle holes is either 3″ or 5″. If the replacement faucet is a new single-handle unit, its mounting plate will cover the extra holes. However, if the new faucet is a traditional three-piece two-handled unit, you need to buy one that matches the sink’s hole dimensions. Newer sinks may have additional holes for accessories like a spray hose and soap dispenser. Unused holes can be covered by decorative caps.

Most faucets sold today include a gasket to create a water-tight seal around the faucet base, which is less messy than bedding the faucet body or its mounting plate in plumber’s putty. Assemble the new faucet with the gasket according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then insert the faucet tailpiece, its water lines and spray hose, if provided, into the center hole on the back of the sink.

• Under the sink, screw the mounting nut to the faucet tailpiece and tighten with a basin wrench.

• Connect the spray hose to the faucet tailpiece and attach the provided lead weight to the hose to keep it from tangling.

• Reattach the supply tubes to the faucet water lines (remember: hot water on the left, cold water on the right).

• Tighten the water line nuts and open the shutoff valves. If any water leaks out through one or both nuts, tighten the nut an additional one-quarter turn.

Need Some Help with Replacing That Faucet?

If you don’t have the time or the inclination to do it yourself, contact Fox Services Express for kitchen faucet replacement and all your plumbing needs.  After all, that’s what we’re here for!

309-740-0330
Click here to ask questions or schedule service now

Fox Services Express has been voted Peoria’s #1 electrician now for three straight years.

And there are a lot of really good reasons for that:

• Fast, dependable service, 24/7
• A long history of customer satisfaction
• A full range of electrical, plumbing, plus pool and spa services
• Guaranteed upfront pricing
• Technicians who listen, explain, and answer all your questions so you’re comfortable with our recommendations and sure of the service we’re providing

Today we invite you to save $25 on any electrical service we offer.  Just click here for our web-only coupon where you’ll find other great specials, too.

Fox Services Express.  “Fast, Friendly, Fair…Fantastic!”

309-740-0330
Click here to ask questions or schedule service now

Molds are part of the natural environment.  Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided.  Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air.  Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet.  There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Here’s how to keep an eye out for possible mold growth and how to prevent it.

The Kitchen

Where should you start when you’re trying to prevent water damage? Where many people spend the most amount of time:  the kitchen.

• The Dishwasher: Periodically check for leaks under the sink where the hose connects to the water supply. Look around the base of the dishwasher for evidence of leaks, such as discolored, warped or soft flooring materials, or water damage to nearby cabinets.

• The Refrigerator: If your refrigerator has an icemaker, make sure the hose connection is securely attached to the water supply line. Also, a wet spot on the floor may be a sign of a crimped icemaker line about to burst.

• The Sink: Replace deteriorated caulk around sinks and check the pipes under the sink for leaks. A slow-draining pipe may indicate a partially blocked drain that needs cleaning.

The Bathroom

Not surprisingly, the bathroom has several common culprits that cause water damage.

• Showers and Bathtubs: Remove and replace deteriorated or cracked caulk and grout. Water from a broken supply pipe behind the wall can leak through these damaged sealants, causing stains or soft areas around nearby walls and floors. Leaking drain pipes and shower pan leaks are also common sources of water damage. If necessary, contact a plumber or contractor for help.

• Sinks: Check under the sink for leaks from water supply lines or drainpipes. If necessary, contact a plumber or contractor for help.

• Toilets: Clogs can result from too much toilet paper or objects such as hanging bowl deodorants. Also, some chlorine tablet cleaners may corrode internal plastic or rubber parts, leading to a leak.

The Laundry or Utility Room

Here are two often hidden and very fertile breeding grounds for mold.

• Washing Machine: Check hoses regularly for bulging, cracking, fraying, and leaks around hose ends. Replace the hose if a problem is found or every 3 to 5 years as part of a proactive maintenance program. To help make sure the hose doesn’t kink, leave at least 4 inches (or 11 centimeters) between the water connection and the back of the washing machine. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.

• Water Heater: Most water heaters last 8 to 15 years. Wet spots on the floor or a rusted tank may signal a leak. Water heaters should be installed on the lowest level of the home, next to a floor drain, or inside a drain pan piped to the floor drain.

If you’re already experiencing problems with mold, call us right away at 309-740-0330.  Other services we offer than can help prevent and stop mold growth are:

• Finding and repairing water leaks
• Whole-house plumbing inspection
• Water heater maintenance and inspection
• Sump pumps
• Back-up sump pumps
• And more.

Remember:  mold can do more than damage your home.  It can be hazardous to your health.

Contact the professionals at Fox Services Express today.  We’re always ready to help.

309-740-0330
Click here to ask questions or schedule service now

Nobody likes to wake up in the morning, step out of bed, and feel wet, squishy flooring under their feet.

Plumbing is one of those luxuries that we tend to take for granted until the day that you can’t flush your toilet or take a hot shower. Chances are that you never thought about having a plumber out until it gets to that emergency status of a flood, backed up drain, or no hot water.

Much like you should see the doctor every year; your plumbing system needs the same attention and care. The best way to prevent a plumbing disaster is to have regular, thorough whole house plumbing inspections. Most people don’t realize that this service even exists. It does, and it can save you many headaches down the road.

When was the last time you were under your crawlspace to check and make sure that nothing was leaking? How about flushing your water heater flushed as required by the manufacturer on an annual basis? Have you had the water pressure checked, ever?

At Fox Services Express, we inspect all your plumbing fixtures and systems and give you a detailed written report.  If we find problems in the making, we’ll point them out and recommend the best course of corrective action.

Here’s just some of what our inspection includes for your greater comfort, convenience, and safety:

1. Leaks in exposed pipes.
2. Signs of corrosion that could indicate water or pipe issues.
3. Water pressure…if it’s too low, there could be problems in your water lines or built-up sediment.
4. Speed of drainage in sink and tub drains…if water is draining too slowly, it could mean you have a clogged drain or blocked vent pipe.
5. Water heater gas leaks…to help ensure your family’s safety and the integrity of your water heater.   In the process, we also drain the unit to remove sediment that’s settled to the bottom. Sediment build-up can cause hard water conditions and leaks in your faucets.

And that’s just a small sampling of what our inspection includes.  We invite you to contact Fox Services Express and schedule a whole-house plumbing inspection today…it’s one of our ultimate “peace of mind” services.

Peoria:                        309-692-FOX2 (3692)
Bloomington:           309-451-4FOX (4369)

Click here to ask questions or schedule service now

New Year’s resolutions are great things…especially if you stick to them and they help to make a positive change in your life.

Got room for one more? Than nothing would fit the bill better than making green plumbing a high priority on your New Year’s “to do” list. Here are three smart and very effective ways to get into the swing of things.

Low-Flow Toilets

Traditional toilets use anywhere from 3.5 to 7 gallons of water per flush. With a family of four, that can amount to hundreds of gallons of water every day. In contrast, environmentally-conscious low flow toilets use just 1.6 gallons per flush, max. Studies show that an average

family of four will save 22,000 gallons of water per year and $100 on their water bill. Less water, greater pressure, and significant savings…that’s the beauty of a low-flow toilet.

Whole-House Water Filtration

Whole house filtration systems can eliminate the presence of chemicals, particulates, and microorganisms from every source of household water. This, in turn, helps to extend the life of hot water heaters and plumbing fixtures, particularly if you have high sediment levels in your water supply. Extended life also means a lower incidence of repairs for even greater savings. And then there’s the obvious health benefit of drinking plus cooking and cleaning with the purest water possible.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters heat water by activating a set of coils that become hot when the unit is turned on. Tankless units conserve energy by heating only the amount of water needed and only when it’s needed. They conserve water, too, as there’s no waiting for the water to get hot…with tankless units, you get hot water on demand. What’s more, tankless water heaters are available for your entire home or single water sources, such as your kitchen sink.

More Green Plumbing Tips

• Never let water run unnecessarily.
• Take a five-minute shower, not a bath.
• Run washing machines and dishwashers only with a full load.
• Fix leaky toilets and dripping faucets.
• Install aerator faucets and low-flow shower heads.

And Now for Some Green Savings!

Today, like always, the professionals at Fox Services Express can help you go green to help conserve money and natural resources…and all while enjoying more convenient and comfortable surroundings. And it doesn’t get much better than that!

Peoria: 309-692-FOX2 (3692)
Bloomington: 309-451-4FOX (4369)

Click here to ask questions or schedule service now